People liked to insult the local City Watch, especially in Human cities. Ask any local and you\u2019d get some commentary about how their local law enforcement was about as effective as a hamster with a toothpick and as corrupt as a bag of [Lords] with their britches stuffed full of gold coins.<\/p>\n
The comparison was even worse because Drake cities were known for their effective system of policing themselves. But to be fair, that was because most Drake cities conflated \u2018City Watch\u2019 with \u2018standing army\u2019, and thus they allocated huge discretionary budgets. Indeed, Drake culture was largely based around supporting their military, which meant the somewhat laissez faire<\/em> north fell behind.<\/p>\n It honestly wasn\u2019t that bad. Ceria knew City Watches got a bad rap, but what were they supposed to be? Perfect? Take a small city with a limited budget\u2014especially if it wasn\u2019t located on a major trade route or exporting some valuable resource\u2014and think about how much you could pay your average [Guardsman].<\/p>\n Most likely even the [Watch Captain] wouldn\u2019t be high-level. The [Guards] might see some action, but they wouldn\u2019t be equipped or ready to take on dangerous monsters or individuals. They weren\u2019t being paid to be heroes. So usually they did the best job they could, and yes, some cities did have a corruption problem, but others were fine. Not great, not excellent\u2014just fine. If a disaster happened, it happened not because of the local law enforcement, but because it was a disaster.<\/p>\n With that said, Ceria had known bad [Guards] and good ones, and they shared a common feature, which was their disdain for adventurers. They hated high-level adventurers who were paid better, had expensive gear, and usually flouted the law, and took any opportunity to get back at them.<\/p>\n Which meant that the unlucky adventurer who was arrested would get their gear stripped off them, earn kicks and bruises if they resisted, and if they were in one of the aforementioned corrupt cities, might even see some of their gear disappear along with their gold if the [Guards] thought they could get away with it.<\/p>\n Ceria wasn\u2019t as worried about that in this case; they were Silver-rank and could get their gear back, even if some gold \u2018vanished\u2019 by accident. Thank goodness their share of the loot was with the Halfseekers pending their visit to Invrisil. No, what she was worried about was Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cI have done nothing wrong. Yet.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium stood in front of what had to be at least forty of Celum\u2019s City Watch. There might be more outside; Ceria seriously doubted half the Watch had shown up, but it was a small army capable of putting down any amount of brawling adventurers at least. And she was terrified for Ksmvr. Because his threat had made the [Guards] back up for a second, but soon they would realize he was alone and his team were in cuffs.<\/p>\n Ceria had her arms twisted up by a female [Guardswoman], and she knew that any spell would result in her being knocked out or shot. And that was the thing about the City Watch in any city. They could be efficient, corrupt, or ineffectual, but even so, they were still good at killing things. And they would do so, too.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf yelped as the [Guardswoman] twisted her arm up another foot. She swore, but forced the words out.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be an idiot, Ksmvr!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will do my best, Captain Ceria. I was explaining to this Watch Captain that I have done nothing wrong. After all, I did not partake in the brawl.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium politely nodded to the destroyed room. The [Captain], a burly man who Ceria vaguely recognized as having taken part in one of Erin\u2019s plays, looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThat true?\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the adventurers nodded; the rest just stared at Ksmvr with obvious distaste. The [Captain] hesitated, then he looked around and realized he was in front of his men. And that Ksmvr was alone. He caught himself and scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. This thing\u2019s part of your team, right, half-Elf? It\u2019s under arrest. Antinium, if you attack, we\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr moved. Forty [Guards] instantly leveled their weapons at him, but the Antinium had simply raised one of his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, [Captain]. But I repeat I have not taken part in this altercation. I am innocent. Therefore I cannot be arrested. I have done nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n That was true. But\u2014Ceria was swearing as she stood on her tiptoes to avoid her arms being wrenched out of their sockets\u2014she could have told Ksmvr the facts didn\u2019t matter. Not with a peeved Watch Captain. He snapped impatiently at Ksmvr as he waved six of his [Guards] forwards. They moved slowly; like him, they\u2019d probably only seen the Antinium in Erin\u2019s inn. And you heard stories\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cI <\/em>decide what\u2019s right or wrong here. And you\u2019re under arrest. Because I said so, got it?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium stared at the [Captain] slowly. One of the [Guards] held up a pair of manacles.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t move\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He jumped back as Ksmvr spread all three arms. There was another moment of tension, but less pronounced. Ceria could see one [Guard] cracking his knuckles as he snuck up behind Ksmvr with three of his mates. As soon as they got Ksmvr in cuffs, it would be a few kicks at least. If they hurt him, Ceria was going to\u2014she saw Yvlon tensing as two [Guards] held her. Another fight would not be a good idea. The [Ice Mage] braced\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAh. It appears we have reached an impasse, then. I claim that under the law, I have committed no crimes save for association with my team. You claim that I have broken a law you refuse to name. So tell me, Watch Captain. Is it war?\u201d<\/p>\n At first Ceria was focusing on Yvlon. The [Guards] were sneaking up on Ksmvr, and the [Captain] was looking around as the adventurers patched themselves up with cheap potions, assessing the damage. Then every head swung back towards Ksmvr as if he were a lightning rod in a storm of attention.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium [Warrior] looked innocently around the room.<\/p>\n \u201cI repeat. Is it war? I am asking for confirmation, Watch Captain. Because if it is, I would like to notify my Hive so they may send a declaration formally. However, if you are declaring war by surprise, I quite understand. No doubt the official commencement will begin after\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait. Wait\u2014what do you mean, war?<\/em> War with who?\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch Captain was staring at Ksmvr. So was Ceria. Ksmvr looked puzzled; his antennae waved about uncertainly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, with the Antinium, of course. If you arrest me, it will be war. With the Free Antinium and all five Hives of the Antinium. If you place me in cuffs or kill me as I resist arrest, the Antinium go to war with the Humans of Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to look at the [Guards] behind him as he said it. They sprang away from Ksmvr as if he were suddenly covered in spikes. The Watch Captain licked his suddenly very dry lips.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, see here. You\u2019re just an Antinium. Aren\u2019t there\u2026I mean, one Antinium isn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n His voice trailed off. Ksmvr was just staring at him. But it was such a contemptuous, Pisces-like stare that the meaning was plain across species. He spoke very slowly and clearly as the room focused on him.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Ksmvr. A Prognugator of the Free Antinium and individual of my Hive. I am unique. There are many Antinium, but the death of a Prognugator means war<\/em>. Or do you not know of Klbkch the Slayer? The Small Queen, Xrn? We are second only to our Queens. If I am arrested without cause, this will count as a military action against my Hive. There is only one response to that. I have done nothing wrong. So, tell me, Captain. Is it war?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his voice and stepped forwards. The entire room shuddered and moved back in response. Every eye went towards the Watch Captain, who\u2019d lost all color in his face. Ceria was just staring at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t every day you saw someone actually come close to evacuating their bowels in public. But the [Captain]\u2019s expression suggested that if Ksmvr shouted, he\u2019d be waddling as he ran away. And they would run. War with the Antinium? Ceria saw the face of the [Guardswoman], who\u2019d relaxed her grip. The woman looked horrified, as did everyone else. Who would want that? <\/em>But Ceria was amazed for a different reason.<\/p>\n Ksmvr was lying!<\/em> The Antinium looked around the room, as calm as could be, but Ceria knew that Ksmvr was lying through his teeth. His mandibles, whatever. He was outcast from his Hive! Klbkch had cast him out and taken his spot as Prognugator.<\/p>\n But no one else knew that. The [Captain] began to back up.<\/p>\n \u201cWar? No. No, absolutely\u2026no. We would never arrest\u2014you\u2019re an adventurer, right? Your team\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at the Horns, suddenly, instantly conflicted. Ceria looked up sharply, but Ksmvr just tilted his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe they are under arrest. They did start the brawl.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria audibly heard Pisces curse behind her. The Antinium glanced at Pisces and tilted his head the other way.<\/p>\n \u201cMy team has committed a crime. Thus, we must be punished. But I have not, so I will remain here while they serve their sentence. If they are due to be executed, I will, of course, petition\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. They\u2019re just going to jail. We\u2019ll\u2014uh, it\u2019s just an overnight sentence. Right, lads?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Captain] turned. His Watch instantly nodded. They would have agreed to anything at that moment. Ksmvr nodded happily as well.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. That is good. Then I am not under arrest? There is no war?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. No. In fact, you are completely free to go. Now, if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr ignored the note of hope in the [Captain]\u2019s voice. He shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI must see my companions are properly arrested first. It would not do for them to be mistreated.\u201d<\/p>\n And rather to Ceria\u2019s chagrin, Ksmvr did just that. The City Watch escorted her, Pisces, and Yvlon out of the guild as the [Captain] remained to get a full account of what had gone on. And the Horns were hauled to Celum\u2019s jail and put in a cell together.<\/p>\n Ceria had to admit it was the politest and somehow the tensest<\/em> walk to her cell she\u2019d ever had. Ksmvr walked right behind the [Guards] as they hurried the Horns into a cell. They were so flustered they forgot to grab the adventurer\u2019s gear and had to come back for their weapons.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods damn it. Hey, don\u2019t you dare mess with that wand. I want it back, not snapped by accident!\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf swore as one of the [Mages] in the City Watch took her wand, eying it avariciously. The [Mage] glanced at Ksmvr, who was loitering in front of their cell, and hurried off. Yvlon had given up her sword, and Pisces was surrendering his rapier with a very sour expression.<\/p>\n \u201cThis everything?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardswoman] in charge, a [Sergeant], glanced nervously at Ksmvr as she grabbed Yvlon\u2019s Sword of Weight, eying it appreciatively. Yvlon nodded and Ceria glanced sideways at Pisces. He sneered.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Would we lie?\u201d<\/p>\n Normally that tone and sentence would have earned him a boot in the ribs. But the [Sergeant] held back on snapping as she glanced at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cUh. Fine. We\u2019ll be back. You lot\u2014cast any magic, and it\u2019ll be worse for you. We\u2019ll get your side of things in a moment, once the [Captain] comes back. If there are fines\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe other adventurers joined the fight. We took on one team. They piled on.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria had thought of the least expensive excuse and the one that would survive a [Detect Lies] spell. The [Sergeant] looked at her and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see about the damages. At least the damn Guild wasn\u2019t buried in snow. Anyways\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She shifted with the sword and rapier in hand and looked at Ksmvr again. He waved at her politely.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. I am not under arrest?\u201d<\/p>\n She jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! I mean, no. I\u2019m going to put these away. You\u2026don\u2019t linger. Loitering without purpose is illegal, you know..\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shall leave soon thereafter, then. I would not like to break the law.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded politely at the Human woman. She looked surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2026thanks. Well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She backed away. Ceria looked around her cell. It was one of the shared ones used for common, low-risk prisoners. Metal bars, stone floor, and a hole in the floor that probably led into Celum\u2019s sewers. It stank.<\/p>\n But at least they had the cell to themselves; across the way was another general holding area with two drunks, a petty [Thief], and a woman who\u2019d murdered her husband with her bare hands after she\u2019d found him cheating on her. The [Thief] and drunks were staying well away from her.<\/p>\n \u201cSilver rot. I\u2019ll bet that [Sergeant]\u2019s going to swing my sword around the moment she\u2019s out of sight. And that [Mage] is going to use your wand, Ceria. I hope she doesn\u2019t hurt anything with it; the sword can kill someone if they spar.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon sat down on the floor, groaning. She still had a few light cuts around her face; she hadn\u2019t taken enough healing potion to cure all of the damage from her fight. But she mainly looked tired and upset. Pisces grumbled; he was feeling at his bag of holding.<\/p>\n \u201cFools deserve their fates. Onto more pressing matters. Ksmvr, would you please tell the Watch to release us?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked confused.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Comrade Pisces, that would be illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n All three Horns looked up. Yvlon bit her lip, but Ceria and Pisces just glanced at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026but it would be convenient, Ksmvr. Nice lie, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Captain Ceria. I am ashamed of the ruse. But I thought it was the only way to prevent a death sentence or Comrade Pisces being horribly maimed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, what? What for?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon and Ceria looked at Pisces. He seemed embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. You, uh, remembered our discussion, Ksmvr. That explains it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium nodded happily.<\/p>\n \u201cI did. I was concerned for your safety as you told me how common execution sentences are for menial crimes. As well as the fact that [Necromancers] are unduly hated. Thus, I lied despite the extreme risk it entailed. I am glad you will not be killed.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria smacked her head gently against the bars. Pisces coughed rapidly, turning even redder. Yvlon looked disgusted.<\/p>\n \u201cThat explains it. Pisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She wavered as she stared at the young man. Then Yvlon turned to Ksmvr and, to Ceria\u2019s surprise, she only sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s told you a half truth, Ksmvr. Pisces probably did get in a lot of trouble for being a [Necromancer], but his \u2018menial crimes\u2019 probably were a bit worse than that. And yes, he might get roughed up pretty bad if people found out what he is, so it\u2019s a legitimate concern. But the only time it would be a death sentence is in a Drake city. And even then, not for a brawl.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked meaningfully at Pisces. The tips of his ears were red as he nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cA slight exaggeration, Ksmvr. I\u2026apologize. In my defense, I was recounting stories to him.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced at Ceria. The half-Elf bit her lip. She wasn\u2019t sure whether she should laugh or not. She instead looked at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you mean, \u2018extreme risk\u2019, Ksmvr? It\u2019s just a lie. And a darn good one. You can spring us out of jail with it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cNo doubt, Captain Ceria. However, if the issue is not a life-or-death matter, I would hesitate to do so and, in fact, urge that I do not. Because it may turn the issue into a deadly matter. For us. You see, if my former Hive finds out I have claimed Prognugator status, they may attempt to seize and execute me as well as my team. Revalantor Klbkch would not hesitate to do so, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s mouth fell open in horror. Her eyes slid sideways to Yvlon and Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2014he wouldn\u2019t do that, right?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium shook his head seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not a Prognugator. To claim otherwise is one of the most serious affronts I could make to the Hive. I have no doubt I would be executed if he had overheard what I claimed. Recall that I threatened war with all of the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n When he put it like that\u2026Ceria gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, scratch getting us out. It would look bad after you agreed to arrest us. And that might make Celum issue a complaint. And if they do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at her teammates. Yvlon and Pisces nodded rapidly.<\/p>\n \u201cOne night\u2019s fine. A fee\u2019s welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI relish squatting in this squalid, stinking hole of a cell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat they said. You did good, Ksmvr. At least we didn\u2019t earn a beating. Which we would have done with Pisces\u2019 tongue. And at least we won that fight. Although\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf sighed. She looked at Yvlon. The woman was sitting down, rubbing at her arms and not meeting her or anyone else\u2019s eye. Ceria hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026We\u2019ll have to talk out why it started.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Should I be arrested to partake in this conversation?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked from Yvlon through the cell bars. Ceria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, the last thing we need is more trouble. You just\u2026stay out of trouble. Okay, Ksmvr? Maybe go back to Erin\u2019s inn, alright? Let her know what\u2014no, you know what? Don\u2019t<\/em> tell Erin what happened unless something worse occurs. Just go back, have a drink\u2026we\u2019ll be out in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded obediently.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Captain Ceria. But what about our request?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s mind went blank as she tried to recall.<\/p>\n \u201cOur what? Oh<\/em>. The [Bandits]. They\u2019ll keep a day. Don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll jump on it when we\u2019re out.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cA menial task. But one that is worth twenty gold pieces plus loot\u2026hardly worth the cost of sitting a night in jail. But as that is a separate matter\u2026Ksmvr, here. Take this.\u201d<\/p>\n He had been busy fiddling with his hands and his belt. Now, to Ceria\u2019s surprise, she saw him pluck a ring off his finger and hand it to Ksmvr along with his personal bag of holding. She eyed him with great surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy ring enchanted with the [Shatterbolt] spell, as well as the bag of holding containing all my bones. Be very careful with it, Ksmvr. I can sense where the bones are, of course, but while the bear bones are still present, what remains of them, there is another skeleton that must not be lost.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] met Ksmvr\u2019s eyes. The Antinium nodded seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cI will be very careful, Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re giving that to Ksmvr because\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces rolled his eyes as he turned to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I would rather not have my ring confiscated. If I had time, I would have sequestered your wand and Yvlon\u2019s sword for the bag of holding along with my rapier. Or do you think the [Guards] will be so polite after Ksmvr is gone? They\u2019ll come back to do some very invasive searches, I have no doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria grimaced as she realized Pisces was right. Then she felt a moment of grudging admiration.<\/p>\n \u201cSmart to hide your bones. They\u2019d probably burn all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. If you have anything else you\u2019d like to ensure isn\u2019t looted, now would be the time.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked around. Yvlon shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAll I\u2019ve got is my armor, and they won\u2019t take that. Keep Pisces\u2019 stuff safe, Ksmvr. I\u2019m\u2026sorry about the fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked miserable. Ksmvr stared down at her as he attached the bag of holding to his belt.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not mind, Yvlon. I do not fully understand. But I wish to. And I will stay out of trouble, Captain Ceria. Do you have any other instructions for me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2026no. No. Thanks, Ksmvr. You were a help. You\u2019d better get out of here before the [Guards] come back.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria smiled wearily at Ksmvr. The Antinium nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI will wait for your release tomorrow morning, then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks! And Ksmvr, it\u2019s not at dawn! You can go to sleep!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria called out as he turned and walked down the jail. He turned and waved his acknowledgement. Ceria saw him pause to speak with the [Sergeant] at the far end of the jail; she was indeed practicing cuts with Yvlon\u2019s sword. Then she opened the door, let him out, and he was gone.<\/p>\n A silence fell over the cell after Ksmvr had gone. Ceria looked around. The other inmates had been an audience to the adventurer\u2019s discussion. Now they stared at their cell mates.<\/p>\n \u201cThat thing\u2019s an Antinium, ain\u2019t it? Weird devils.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Drunks] leaned against the bars, looking miserable and hung over. The [Thief] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cDangerous. No wonder the Drakes fucking hate them. Hey, how much to stay silent about him not being a Prognuga-whatsit?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria swore and sat up. Before she could formulate a threat, Pisces stepped in.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you were wise, friend, you\u2019d keep your mouth shut. Ksmvr may not be a Prognugator, but I am a [Necromancer]. And imprisoned or not, I do not take kindly to threats.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] cast a minor illusion spell as he did, so his voice sounded deeper and far more sibilant. The shadows around him seemed to creep towards the other cell. The [Thief] scrambled back with a shout as the two drunks fled.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep back! You so much as cast a spell and I\u2019ll shout, and the Watch will be all over\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A hand descended on his shoulder. The man spun and stared into a woman\u2019s face. Her eyes were bloodshot with tears, but the husband-killing wife\u2019s voice was steady.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. You tell anyone and I\u2019ll kill you. I did it once. I\u2019ll do it again. Be quiet.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Thief] froze. The self-bereaved wife let him go, and he backed up into a corner and tried to squeeze into the stone. The wife looked around with a very lost expression. She was a young woman. Barely eighteen. She must have just been married, or else married young. She was attractive, but she was a mess; she\u2019d been crying when the Horns were brought in. Ceria caught her eye.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n The murderess looked back at the half-Elf, lost.<\/p>\n \u201cHe looked nice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Good. I\u2019m\u2026I mean it. I\u2019ll kill him if he so much as squeaks.\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed back at the [Thief]. The man\u2019s face was white as he shook his head frantically. Ceria\u2019s skin crawled; that was another thing about prisons. Sometimes the [Guards] separated by cells, but sometimes they didn\u2019t think someone was a threat and you spent a night sleeplessly watching the other people in the cell. They\u2019d underestimated this girl.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026quite alright. Thank you, though. But he can stay alive unless he speaks.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. I\u2019ll remember that. And him. But I don\u2019t mind it. I don\u2019t have any other reason. I killed him, you know. Myself. I leveled up from it. I\u2019m all red now. It\u2019s so red up here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She tapped her skull. Her eyes dripped tears. Ceria found herself backing up unconsciously. She licked her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did level up.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces moved forwards. He gave the woman a charming smile and a slight bow.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we are grateful. Truly. You look quite tired, Miss. We\u2019ll leave you to your rest. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s been a long day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman retreated. So did Pisces and Ceria. They backed up until the woman was somewhat out of view. Ceria breathed out. Then she turned to Pisces and Yvlon. She wanted to say something, but aware the others might still be listening with Skills, she just looked at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. Want to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman had watched the exchange silently. Her face was shadowed in the dark prison with only a few lanterns providing light.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. But we should. I know I shouldn\u2019t have taken the bait. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was angry too. But you\u2019re just feeding into what they think, Yvlon. You know what it\u2019s like. Tomorrow we\u2019ll grab Stan and Alais. Kick some sense into them if we have to. If we can find Olesm, the Halfseekers even, get someone to vouch for us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon was nodding. She looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sniffed and then clearly regretted it.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t the first night I\u2019ve spent in a cell. Although perhaps one of the only full<\/em> nights I will spend in one. We could slip out, but alas, I\u2019m an adventurer now. I suppose I can tolerate this.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s lips quirked the slightest bit.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pisces. I didn\u2019t mean it. I\u2019ll control myself. It\u2019s just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice broke. Ceria saw her shoulder shake. In the darkness, she finally made out Yvlon\u2019s face. It was running with tears.<\/p>\n The half-Elf looked at Pisces. He\u2019d frozen. So she knelt and grabbed Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cHey now. It\u2019s not true.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I did lose my team. I did. We lost them. Sometimes I forget their names. Their faces. I don\u2019t dream about them anymore, Ceria. I ran, just like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sat on the ground and grabbed her friend. She rocked back and forth with Yvlon as tears and memory both filled her again. Her eyes stung. She whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t like that. We did all we could. It wasn\u2019t like that. We tried\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Silently, the [Necromancer] turned his back and began investigating the hole into the sewers. Ceria thought she saw him drop something into the sewers. But she was focused on Yvlon. She wiped at her own eyes as she rocked back and forth. It was very quiet. That was all. And soon, the tears stopped. After all, their friends had died a long time ago, or so it felt now. It just hurt sometimes.<\/p>\n That was all.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n And then Ksmvr was alone. He checked out of the jail, and the [Sergeant] walked him to the door. No one stopped him. No one tried. After all, he was innocent. Although Ksmvr was quite aware that he could be guilty by association.<\/p>\n That was a common crime he had studied up on while he was learning how Drake and Human society worked. Loitering, resisting arrest, and \u2018suspicious behavior\u2019 were all valid tactics used by both Drake and Human [Guards] to opportunistically arrest undesirable elements or pursue personal agendas. It was a very convenient loophole in a system designed for equality.<\/p>\n Ksmvr had quite approved when he\u2019d first studied it in his Hive in his formative two years. If you were going to have a flawed society based on individual freedoms, they might as well be curtailed by those with the true power.<\/p>\n It was lucky the ruse worked. Or I might have been arrested. Which would not have resulted in the death of Comrade Pisces. Hm. So is it good that I successfully lied and endangered my team to no gain? I will not be able to hear the discussion Captain Ceria has with Yvlon.<\/em><\/p>\n Ksmvr frowned as he walked away from the jail. To an Antinium, the equivalent of frowning was holding his mandibles close together but not touching, while his antennae drooped slightly. Perhaps he had been rash. But he had acted on the best information available.<\/p>\n \u201cNow I am a free citizen. Bereft of my team until tomorrow. What should I do?\u201d<\/p>\n The former Prognugator stopped in the street and looked around. He realized everyone was staring at him. Over a hundred pedestrians, from children, to people conducting their business, to [Guards] peeking out the windows of their barracks, were all staring at him.<\/p>\n Ksmvr the Antinium. He had on his magic cloak, and Ksmvr had his enchanted short sword on his left, with his one good arm. On his right was the little Flamecoat Dagger, and his shortbow was positioned to be drawn over his right shoulder as well. He had on four magical rings, counting the one Pisces had just given him, and a necklace , the one that prevented food poisoning.<\/p>\n There was a little quiver of arrows on his left side, behind the shortsword, and Pisces\u2019 bag of holding was located on the right side of his belt, behind the dagger. A row of two potions filled the rest of the belt, as well as a small money pouch containing seven gold coins, fourteen silver, and three copper coins as well as a copper penny, a denomination not always used or accepted, but informally treated as a de facto currency.<\/p>\n In short, Ksmvr was armed and prepared for anything. But since there was nothing to do, the Antinium was lost. He looked around and noticed a good deal of flinching.<\/p>\n \u201cI am clearly unwelcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Those were the facts. They didn\u2019t bother Ksmvr in the slightest. He stared around Celum, wondering what he should do with his time. Captain Ceria had told him not to cause trouble, to not tell Erin about what had occurred unless necessary, and to go to sleep at some point. Beyond that, Ksmvr was free to act autonomously. Which he would.<\/p>\n He wasn\u2019t a slave, after all. And neither was he a mindless drone, like many of the Soldiers and Workers of the Hive were. Ksmvr was aware that his team worried over his behavior sometimes, and regarded it as obsessive. But that was a misconception he had yet to clear up. As he\u2019d told Comrade Pisces time and time again\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cI am not without free will. I have simply chosen to devote my entire life to my team. Because there is nothing else in life that gives me purpose or value. Without it and my teammates, I am nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n What was so hard to understand about that? But Comrade Pisces had gotten such a funny look on his face and awkwardly patted Ksmvr on the shoulder multiple times while clearing his throat. Ksmvr shook his head as he marched down the street.<\/p>\n \u201cSilly Comrade Pisces. He exaggerates, as Yvlon says. But we are all with our quirks. Comrade Pisces is a [Necromancer] and duplicitous. Yvlon has a temper, but she is very kind and caring. Captain Ceria eats bugs, which is a trait reviled for some reason, and she likes sugary foods. I am a failure and weak link in my team.\u201d<\/p>\n This was the way the world was. Ksmvr walked down the street and headed left. He knew the route, although he\u2019d only been to Celum a few times before and rarely outside of Octavia\u2019s shop. But he had memorized the route the [Guards] had taken to get here from the Adventurer\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n Ksmvr could trace his route from the guild back to Octavia\u2019s shop if he so chose. He had an excellent spatial memory. And it never occurred to Ksmvr he could take another route. Why bother? He had time, and this way was certain.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat should I do next? Hm. I could drink, but that is a social activity, and I do not need further energy reserves. Moreover, tipsiness is difficult for Antinium to acquire without Rxlvn. I could practice? Or acquire valuable information by listening to Captain Bevussa and the other adventurers in Liscor\u2019s guild. Perhaps Miss Selys has\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr was pondering his options as the Adventurer\u2019s Guild appeared before him. He walked up to the front door, turned around, and then began walking in the direction of Octavia\u2019s shop. But it was then that he paused. Something was happening. Ksmvr looked down.<\/p>\n His rings were\u2026vibrating<\/em> on his fingers. Ksmvr hadn\u2019t noticed it at first, but they were definitely shaking. And the vibration was getting stronger; it had grown to the point where he could feel it, even with his limited nervous system. He stopped at once and investigated the phenomenon.<\/p>\n \u201cMy rings are vibrating. Why? A spell? Perhaps. A function I was not aware of? Comrade Pisces\u2019 ring? But he has never mentioned it. And\u2026all<\/em> four rings are vibrating. And my sword. And necklace. And bow and dagger and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr suddenly realized that all the magical items were shaking. From the cloak, to the bow, to the sword\u2026and the effect was increasing in magnitude exponentially. He looked at his gear, alarmed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this? What will happen if it grows worse?\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated. This was something he would ask Captain Ceria or Comrade Pisces about. But what should he do? He was about to check for someone casting a spell on him from afar when his predicament attracted the attention of one of the adventurers exiting the guild.<\/p>\n Crossbow Stan. The man was talking to Alais, the [Aeromancer] and Silver-rank Captain Ksmvr had been introduced to. He paused as he saw Ksmvr, and his expression was guarded. Then his eyes widened in horror as he saw what was happening to Ksmvr\u2019s gear.<\/p>\n \u201cTroll balls! It\u2019s dissonance!<\/em> Pull those rings off!\u201d<\/p>\n He bellowed at Ksmvr. The Antinium looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is?\u201d<\/p>\n Stan waved his arms frantically. Alais looked up. Her eyes widened as well, signifying great alarm to the Antinium. Genuine alarm. She shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cYour gear! There\u2019re too many enchantments! Take it off! Now! Or it\u2019ll explode!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Explode? Ksmvr\u2019s arms moved in a blur. The adventurers blinked as the weapons, rings, and necklace all fell to the ground. Ksmvr was yanking at his cloak as Stan called out.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine! It\u2019s fine\u2026Ksmvr? Look, the shaking\u2019s stopped, see?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr paused. It was true. The shaking had stopped, and the rings and his weapons had ceased vibrating, even though they were all piled on top of each other on the ground. He bent to investigate.<\/p>\n \u201cCurious. But they are in closer proximity. Why has the effect ceased?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause they\u2019re enchantments. You can\u2019t have too many on your person at once. All of \u2018em in the same place isn\u2019t so bad; they\u2019re not active. You could toss twice as many artifacts in a bag of holding without a worry. But on you? They\u2019ll explode, or the enchantments will combine or break or do something nasty.\u201d<\/p>\n Stan and Alais came over with a few of their teammates. The old man was wiping at his balding head as he stared at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised you had that many on you before without the dissonance kicking in. Most adventurers have a limit of four items, max, including a bag of holding. Did Ceria or Yvlon not teach you the basics?\u201d<\/p>\n The tone in his voice was accusatory. Ksmvr instantly took offense. He straightened and spoke slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI was made aware of the issue. But it has never come up until now. I am given to understand these artifacts are high-quality. It seems Comrade Pisces\u2019 ring and bag of holding exceeded my threshold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMust be. Damned thing. Glad nothing happened. I\u2019ve only seen the dissonance get that bad once; and then the fellow\u2019s gear all imploded. Took parts of him with it.\u201d<\/p>\n Crossbow Stan shuddered, and some of the adventurers blanched. Ksmvr bent.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Then may I assume I can reequip my gear and stow the rest?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Just put what you don\u2019t need in that bag of holding and put the rest on one by one until you feel a quiver. Slowly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr obeyed. He put on his gear, piece by piece, until he saw the telltale vibration start. Then he immediately pulled off the offending item and rearranged his equipment. It seemed that he had indeed reached the limit of items he could equip. But\u2014it wasn\u2019t as bad as he had feared. Ksmvr ended up only putting two items in the bag of holding.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose the necklace is least useful. Followed by\u2026the Ring of Waterbreathing. However, it may be very important. I will reequip it at the slightest sign of rain. Happily, it appears I can wear my rings, cloak, sword, bow, dagger\u2026and bag of holding together without issue.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers watched as Ksmvr re-equipped himself. Alais was blinking hard, and one of her teammates was staring.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of magical equipment!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked up. He noted that the other Silver-rank adventurers all possessed one or two magical items each. A wand and some enchanted robes, or an amulet or a mildly enchanted sword. You could tell, sometimes, by the way the light shone on the metal. Or sometimes [Enchanters] added superfluous effects like a sparkling blade. Usually that meant they were low-grade. Crossbow Stan stared at Ksmvr as he put the ring away.<\/p>\n \u201cA Ring of Waterbreathing? Well, ain\u2019t that a useful little tool? Not that I\u2019d take a contract fighting monsters in the water. Still\u2014how many items does your team have, er, Ksmvr, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid that information is classified, Captain Crossbow Stan. I would not like to reveal my team\u2019s secrets without Captain Ceria\u2019s permission. If you were her friend, I think that information would not be so confidential.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Crossbow Stan?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the adventurers laughed, and Stan flushed a bit, but he did smile, which indicated to Ksmvr his words were humorous or, at least, well-received. The adventurers stopped in the street, and Ksmvr noted they were giving him moderately friendly looks. Cautious, but not nearly as hostile as the looks they had directed at the rest of his team. Perhaps Antinium were more welcome than [Necromancers] and perceived team-killers? Interesting.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re\u2014sort of friends. Your Captain and I. Ceria and Yvlon\u2014I did know them back in the day. So you can tell me what you\u2019ve got, surely?\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Stan\u2019s tone was what Ceria would have described as \u2018wheedling\u2019. And his smile was too fake, much like the ones Comrade Pisces sometimes wore. Ksmvr instantly reevaluated his assessment of the adventurers; they were probing for information. So the Antinium reacted appropriately.<\/p>\n \u201cYour fight in the guild would indicate you are not friends with my teammates, Captain Crossbow. You attempted to shoot my teammate in the stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah. Well, that was\u2014had to stop him animating undead, right? I didn\u2019t know it wasn\u2019t going to savage the others.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the lightning?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked at Alais. The [Aeromancer] appeared uncomfortable.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a fight. Besides, Yvlon had that enchanted armor on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. She didn\u2019t use to have that. And her levels! She put down at least a dozen people by herself. Caddin\u2019s going to need healing for at least a few days. Too soon for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n One of Alais\u2019 teammates complained sourly. He didn\u2019t quite glare at Ksmvr. Alais glared, and one of the other teammates nudged the complainer. Stan gave them a meaningful look and a nod of the head. Another unspoken message. We need to talk to the Antinium and acquire information due to its naivet\u00e9, so cease making inappropriate comments!<\/em> That was Ksmvr\u2019s read of the body language. He continued playing the part.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not understand. If you are their friends, why the reason for the hostility and the fight? Your accusations are without merit, as far as I understand them. If you had confirmed this, you would understand the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked pointedly at Stan. The man rubbed at his head as the other adventurers muttered invectives and curses on Ksmvr\u2019s teammates. Crossbow Stan sighed tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Ksmvr. I\u2019m sure you\u2019re a fine\u2026fellow. But those two are\u2014you heard what Caddin said. Well, even if Ceria told us all the truth, it\u2019s hard. Seeing them get out of Liscor like that? And then getting rich in Albez? No one\u2019s pulled out a haul out of there, like we said, for years. It\u2019s just suspicious. And even if it\u2019s not\u2026look, we made our mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n He jerked his thumb over his shoulder at the guild.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we bury the hatchet? You can at least tell us about Albez, tell us the story. Over a few drinks? And maybe tell us what you got? Those rings and that gear, right?\u201d<\/p>\n As if she\u2019d been waiting, Alais broke in with a smile that Ksmvr read as fake.<\/p>\n \u201cActually, the guild\u2019s a mess. Why don\u2019t we get a drink? I know a good inn. It\u2019s on us as an apology.\u201d<\/p>\n They were unable to read the Antinium\u2019s mandibles to get his mood. That uncertainty\u2014and the disdain in some of their eyes\u2014was an open book to Ksmvr. He thought quickly.<\/p>\n This scenario will either lead to me revealing some information as a tactical exchange of intelligence, or a situation where I am killed and my equipment looted. It is a fitting use of time in the former case and the latter\u2019s possibility is remote. However\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Ksmvr looked at the adventurer standing behind Alais who\u2019d been complaining, a man with freckles and dusty hair.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to partake in this conversation. But did I not hear correctly? You have a request, do you not?\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers blinked. Alais half-turned and then nodded, off-guard. She was already behaving in a friendly manner to Ksmvr. His polite tone and demeanor were no doubt helping this effect, and her own natural desire for his goodwill aided the effect.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh, yeah. But it\u2019s a job for tomorrow. We need to get some other teams, but we can spare some time tonight\u2026we\u2019re just going to send a [Message] spell to some teams we know about that bandit job\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlais\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Stan broke in, but it was too late. Ksmvr\u2019s antennae waved quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe request involving the bandits? But my team has taken that job.\u201d<\/p>\n Wasn\u2019t it a courtesy between adventurers? Then again\u2026<\/em>Alais winced.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well, things have changed. The [Receptionist] just got an update on the bounty. Look, you know Adventurer\u2019s Guilds share bounties, right? Big ones, at least. They communicate, and with the Merchant and Runner\u2019s Guilds, passing on valuable intelligence. The [Bandits] are one of the things they notified the local cities about.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well, this [Bandit] group isn\u2019t famous, but they\u2019re still a threat. Enough to wipe out a caravan, even a well-protected one. Sure, they might lose half their number, but the other half will come away rich. And that\u2019s what they wanted. They\u2019ve cut off the trade going through the pass towards Esthelm and Liscor; a few [Merchants] heard about it and upped the bounty by eighty<\/em> gold coins.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused for what Ksmvr assumed was dramatic effect. He said nothing; reactions were superfluous effort. After a moment, Alais awkwardly went on.<\/p>\n \u201cSo it\u2019s a hundred gold bounty on that group of [Bandits]. Poor bastards don\u2019t stand a chance with that kind of reward on them. And we\u2019re going to be the group that takes them out.\u201d<\/p>\n Stan was nodding. He looked apologetic as he glanced at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can tell Ceria and Yvlon it\u2019s our contract, now. We\u2019re getting some teams together, and we\u2019ll take it. They can do another request when they get out of jail.\u201d<\/p>\n The group of adventurers held their breath as they waited for Ksmvr\u2019s reaction. The Antinium didn\u2019t need to think. He nodded and opened his mandibles happily, raising them.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. I will relay the message. Good luck with your hunting. And if I do not take up your time, I would join you for a night of drinking and optional debauchery. Perhaps at The Wandering Inn? I will be staying there tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Both teams looked relieved. Alais smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cSure. We could meet at sundown? I\u2019ve been meaning to visit that famous inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo have I. It\u2019s free to use that door, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is in Stitchworks, a shop run by an [Alchemist]. The door is not always active, but if you leave it open, it is checked at a regular interval. If I am not there at that time, I may be in my room. Miss Erin will know where to find me. Oh, and do not be alarmed by the Hobgoblin or white Gnoll, both of whom I understand to be objectionable socially in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHobgoblin?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Crossbow Stan nodded, covering Alais\u2019 startled reaction.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard about that. We\u2019ll see you then, then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent. I will bring my artifacts for further recommendation. I would not like to have more adverse effects regarding this magical dissonance.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers brightened at that. Alais smiled. Ksmvr was turning to go, when he had a thought. He turned back and politely raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n Stan and Alais turned back as some of their team went into the Guild, perhaps to talk to their other teammates.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, uh, Ksmvr? Anything else you need?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRegarding the [Bandit] group you are pursuing. May I ask where they are based, exactly? I would like to inform my team so we do not accidentally cross paths tomorrow if we take another assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n Both captains hesitated, but Crossbow Stan smiled after only a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cFair request. And cautious. From where we ran into them and what we know, they\u2019re in the Humpbacker Hills. You know, that really tall section of hills that starts appearing before the actual mountains if you head southwest? Just short of the High Passes\u2014a good ride from Celum by horse, but not too bad. There\u2019s a little valley there. Just stay out of the region; we\u2019re clearing them out tomorrow, and we don\u2019t want anyone spooking them beforehand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand. I will inform my team. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr waved; the other teams left. He saw Alais putting her head together with Stan as they went in the direction of the Mage\u2019s Guild, which was located not far from the Adventurer\u2019s Guild for convenience. Ksmvr wondered how many teams they considered appropriate for this job. He also wondered if the two laughing adventurers in Alais\u2019 team were laughing at him. At the silly Antinium without a clue.<\/p>\n There was something people always misunderstood about Ksmvr. His team sometimes, but people who didn\u2019t know Ksmvr especially. The Antinium stared at the backs of the adventurers and shook his head slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not stupid. You idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and hurried down the street. Away from the Adventurer\u2019s guild. Suddenly, Ksmvr had a lot<\/em> to do. And it was all thanks to his new skills.<\/p>\n Not his Skills. Ksmvr was a Level 18 [Warrior], an embarrassingly low level. But he had not fought in many engagements. He had shot up in levels from his initial Level 12 status when he\u2019d first joined the Horns of Hammerad, but Ksmvr hadn\u2019t fought much outside a few encounters with the Raskghar. And even then, he\u2019d only leveled once from that.<\/p>\n No matter. Ksmvr had not spent all that time uselessly. He had developed skills<\/em> along with his Skills, and he had gained them from his companions. From observation. Questions. They were more valuable than any number of levels.<\/p>\n Comrade Pisces\u2019 ability to lie. Comrade Yvlon\u2019s skill at arms and integrity, although the integrity was hard to use properly. Comrade Ceria\u2019s leadership. And more. Ksmvr had observed Erin and Mrsha\u2019s duplicity and manipulation of innocence. These were valuable skills. Ksmvr had put several of them to use for the first time, and it had paid off. Now he practically ran back towards Stitchworks. He got there just in time to see the attack.<\/p>\n A group of men wearing cloth over their faces and hoods were standing outside of the [Alchemist]\u2019s shop, shouting. Ksmvr slowed as he noticed they had weapons. Not swords, but rocks, bricks, an empty bottle, and a maul. Their leader had that, and he seemed to be issuing a threat. Ksmvr watched with interest as the man with the maul smashed open the boarded up front of Octavia\u2019s shop. The other men threw their stones, bottles, and bricks through the opening. There was a crash<\/em> of glass.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp! Someone get the Watch!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou started this, [Alchemist]! Don\u2019t make Mister Quelm finish it! You know what you have to do!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Thug] with the maul bellowed into the shop. Ksmvr could still hear Octavia\u2019s voice from inside. At last, someone else took up the call. Only then did the men turn and scatter.<\/p>\n The Antinium knew from the [Thug]\u2019s lazy retreat that the City Watch was incredibly unlikely to arrest them, even if a [Guard] were in the area to give chase. Not that it mattered; he opened the door to the shop, hoping the stones hadn\u2019t broken everything.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStay back! I\u2019m warning you! I\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia stopped as she held up two bottles filled with her Pepperspray potion. She stared.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr? Oh, thank goodness! Help me out! Those [Thugs] just smashed a hole in my shop! Run them down! Cut off their heads or something!\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed with a shaking finger at the front of her boarded up shop. It was well and truly smashed in, and Ksmvr noted the projectiles had broken a few potions on Octavia\u2019s shelves. Nothing too important; her alchemical wares were intact. He stepped around a puddle.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? What are you waiting for? They\u2019re getting away! Or, no, I know where they\u2019re going. It\u2019s this ass\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia rushed past Ksmvr, trying to hurry him out of the shop. Ksmvr held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not here to assist in that regard, Miss Octavia. This appears to be a matter for the City Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey won\u2019t help! They think this is a fight between [Alchemists]! Which it is<\/em>, I\u2019ll grant you, but I didn\u2019t think it would come to this! That damn Quelm bought out the muscle I approached. And he wants\u2014look, do you want money? I\u2019ll pay you! You\u2019re an adventurer, right?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] was very insistent. Ksmvr stepped around her and investigated her wares. He addressed Octavia absently.<\/p>\n \u201cI was instructed by Captain Ceria not to cause trouble. I feel that involving myself in this issue would be a mistake, as it is not strictly adventurer\u2019s work. So I will not help you. I do have an order, however. Three healing potions and one stamina potion, please. Also, one smoke cloud bag.\u201d<\/p>\n He had some potions, but more were always welcome. Octavia stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree healing potions please. One stamina. I do not need the smoke cloud bag on second thought. I will not need it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, that\u2019ll be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] numbly accepted the coins Ksmvr handed her. Then she stared at Ksmvr. Her expression was pleading.<\/p>\n \u201cI know I\u2019m not your favorite [Alchemist]. People are making that clear today. But, look, I could really use some help right now. Ksmvr, buddy? Come on, just let me talk to Ceria. I just need some help. I just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She reached for Ksmvr\u2019s arm. The Antinium walked back towards the door. One objective down. <\/em>He turned perfunctorily at the opening in Octavia\u2019s shop front.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Ceria is currently under arrest. You may talk to her tomorrow. Goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he left. Octavia ran out after him.<\/p>\n \u201cWait! Ksmvr. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n But he paid no attention to her. Octavia wasn\u2019t important on Ksmvr\u2019s internal list of affiliates, friends, and teammates. She was useful to his team, but there were many [Alchemists]. Perhaps if he had not been busy, he would have taken up her problems. But he had something to do. Something that mattered<\/em>.<\/p>\n So Ksmvr hurried down the street, glancing up at the sun. Not even midday, which was good. He needed all the time he could. He wasn\u2019t sure how long he had based on vague directions.<\/p>\n The Antinium made one last stop in the city. He found a local stable. The [Horse Handler] took one look at Ksmvr and went for his belt dagger. The Antinium had to reassure him he wasn\u2019t a monster first, which was an amusing and unnecessary question to ask. When the man was calm, Ksmvr tried again.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. I would like to rent a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Naw, naw\u2026you\u2019re pulling my leg. Aren\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n The man had a thick accent. He stared at Ksmvr as if the Antinium were joking. Ksmvr was not. He pointed at the sign behind the man.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a stable, is it not? It rents horses? I believe the concept is simple. And you are employed here?\u201d<\/p>\n It was indeed a simple concept. Ksmvr gave the man money, a full deposit on a horse, which was quite a lot, and he could ride the horse out right now. If the horse were injured, stolen, or died, Ksmvr would get less or none of his deposit back. Otherwise, he was simply renting the horse for a fee.<\/p>\n He could buy one if he had the funds, but that wasn\u2019t what the Antinium was after. He didn\u2019t have enough for one thing; he was lucky the deposits weren\u2019t the full price of the horse. But that was because the stables operated on trust; the handlers had perfect memories, and if you mistreated or stole one of their horses, not only were you banned for life, but the men and women managing the stables across the continent would rat you out to local law enforcement wherever you went. You didn\u2019t cross horse people.<\/p>\n The man running this stable blinked at Ksmvr. For some reason, this simple concept seemed to be failing him, the horse handler.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re one of them bug people. Why do you<\/em> need a horse?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does anyone need a horse? That is a rhetorical question, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The two stared at each other. Ksmvr shifted impatiently. He tried again.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a Silver-rank adventurer. My qualifications are impeccable. I am fully capable of riding a horse. I need one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaw, naw\u2026I\u2019m not selling to a bug person. Might not get \u2018em back. And it\u2019ll break my heart if one of my lads or lasses got hurt. Can\u2019t trust adventurers anyways. Go on. Shoo.\u201d<\/p>\n He waved vaguely at Ksmvr, looking mildly afraid. The Antinium gave up. He strode past the man, into the stables.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. This horse looks reasonably able. I will pay for this one. Here is the fee.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr dug gold coins out of his pouch, relieved he had enough to pay for the horse\u2019s rental fee. He resolved not to get it killed; that would be far too expensive.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t just take one! Mister Fairday doesn\u2019t like you anyways. See?\u201d<\/p>\n The horse was indeed frisky. It pranced in its stall, showing Ksmvr the whites of its eyes. It couldn\u2019t decide if it was hostile or afraid. Ksmvr spoke in a soothing voice as he held a hand out.<\/p>\n \u201cShh. Or I will have to discipline you by riding you firmly while offering you encouragement in the form of food.\u201d<\/p>\n It took him a few seconds, but a calm approach and even calmer voice worked on the horse. It stopped threatening to rear. Ksmvr turned back to the [Horse Handler]. The man seemed impressed despite himself, but he refused the coins when Ksmvr tried to pay.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, no offense, but you\u2019re still one of them bug folk. Can\u2019t trust one of you lot on a horse. Who\u2019s to know you don\u2019t eat horses?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr stared at the man as the hostler folded his arms defiantly. The Antinium sighed. Then he spread his arms wide.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Is it war, then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026What?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Fifteen minutes later, Ksmvr rode out of Celum\u2019s gates. He knew his presence was noted by the [Guards] on the gate, but he hadn\u2019t spotted any of the adventurers on the short ride out the gates. His horse trotted a hair too quickly, and it snorted a few times. Its ears kept trying to lay flat, and it was snorting. But Ksmvr rode patiently and quickly guided the horse down the road.<\/p>\n Heading south. More than one traveller on the road did a double-take at the sight of Ksmvr on the horse\u2019s back. He heard exclamations, oaths, screams, and more on the road. His horse nervously whinnied\u2014Ksmvr made it pick up the pace. Only when he was moving faster and heading off the road, towards a certain landmark, did the horse calm and the exclamations cease.<\/p>\n It was better that way; the horse moved slower on the uneven terrain, but Ksmvr vigilantly watched the ground and got off to let the horse rest. Well, rest just meant Ksmvr ran alongside the horse. He was still in a hurry.<\/p>\n He patted the horse now and then soothingly; it wasn\u2019t happy about him being on it, despite the [Horse Handler] doing his best to convince the animal to let the Antinium get on. But Ksmvr was a capable rider, and the horse gradually adjusted to his presence. True to his word, Ksmvr did indeed bribe the animal with food, which no doubt helped.<\/p>\n Was it really that much of a surprise to see Ksmvr on horseback? He may have not known how, but he had taught himself decently and it turned out Antinium could<\/em> ride. The Antinium wondered to himself as he rode.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, perhaps. My team might well be surprised. But they would not be if they considered my origin. Riding is among one of my abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n It was true. Ksmvr could ride, shoot, fight with almost any weapon commonly used across all five continents, lead an army with any number of strategies, perform rapid calculations, hide, assassinate, identify poisons, track, construct fortifications, identify a wide variety of spells, read, and more. He had been created and trained to be superior to his common counterparts in every way. And even if he was a failure, he had been made in the image of one of the greatest Antinium to have ever lived.<\/p>\n Klbkch the Slayer. Only, Ksmvr was an inferior copy. A defect. As the Antinium rode towards his destination, he thought to himself and out loud. That was what Ksmvr the Antinium did when he was alone. He thought about the future, the present, and the past. Especially the past.<\/p>\n \u201cI was created in secret. To be a Prognugator of the Free Antinium should Klbkch ever fall. I was not meant to exist; my very existence was illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n He knew that. The Free Queen had told him herself. To create him, she had experimented, replicated the methods of making Prognugators of old. It had been costly and done without the Grand Queen\u2019s authority; she had not desired unique Antinium to come from the Free Antinium\u2019s Hive.<\/p>\n But the Free Queen was gifted, and she remembered how it was done. There had been countless failures. But Ksmvr had been created out of the phenomenal cost to the Hive. Only, he\u2019d been wrong.<\/p>\n Just how wrong? Ksmvr had narrowed down his failure. He spoke out loud as his horse bore him on.<\/p>\n \u201cMy faults were twofold. Firstly, in my body. In my origin.\u201d<\/p>\n His body was that of a Worker\u2019s. The Free Queen had only had two forms to choose between; she had spent time on his creation, not towards developing a new form of Antinium. Ksmvr did not understand the formulation process, but he understood it was beyond difficult; even changing a few details about the Worker and Soldier\u2019s forms could throw off body chemistry, balance, muscle formation, and a thousand variables that would create useless rejects.<\/p>\n And because Ksmvr needed the use of his hands, he had become a Worker. Klbkch had been given the same form. But it was a mistake.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Worker form is weak. Too weak for a Prognugator. Both Revalantor Klbkch and I suffered from its ungainliness. Four arms are useful, but the agility of Klbkch\u2019s current form with two arms far befits his style.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr had dueled Klbkch after the Revelator\u2019s rebirth. That had hammered home just how ill-at-ease Klbkch must have been in a Worker\u2019s body. Of course, Ksmvr had known his Worker\u2019s body all his life, but only after seeing Klbkch had he understood how fluid and beautiful the Slayer\u2019s fighting style really was. The style Ksmvr had learned from imitating Klbkch had been developed out of necessity. It was weak.<\/em> However\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a minor fault. Levels and experience may still compensate for biological disadvantage. It speaks to my inferiority. Revalantor Klbkch\u2019s current form is far more agile and adept. As are the other Prognugator\u2019s bodies. I observed Pivr\u2019s and Tersk\u2019s forms to both be superior in construction to my own. But body only limits my capabilities. My second fault was far worse. It lay in\u2026me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr touched his chest. He thought about his first assignment. His first responsibility in the days after Klbkch had been brought to the Hive. Slain by Goblins<\/em> of all things, protecting a young girl with his body when he could have easily finished off the Goblins if he\u2019d let her die. Ksmvr remembered, and it hurt.<\/p>\n \u201cAt that time I truly thought I was equal to him. I thought I could replace him just like that. That was what my Queen said. Did she lie? Or did she mistake me? Surely\u2026she knew. She knew. Only I did not know.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium paused. He reined in the horse and let it rest. He fed it water. Then he leaned against it. He wished he could close his eyes to the truth. But the Antinium\u2019s eyes never closed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I knew. I just pretended I did not.\u201d<\/p>\n Walking, now, Ksmvr led the horse. His destination was closer than he thought. He didn\u2019t need to hurry; he needed to arrive at a specific time in the evening anyways. It gave him time to think. To remember.<\/p>\n \u201cThe days after Klbkch fell were exciting. I felt happy to be in charge. But when the undead attacked. I was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Trying to figure out how to protect the Hive when Liscor fell. Ordering the Soldiers to hold their ground around the Hive\u2019s entrance, ignoring the desperate pleas from Watch Captain Zevara. Trying to ignore what he was truly feeling.<\/em><\/p>\n Fear. Wondering if he\u2019d made the right choice not sending aid to Liscor, to the inn with Erin Solstice. Hiding behind the simplicity of logic. Waiting for orders. For relief. And when it had come, it had come in the simplest of forms: a fist to the face.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI should have fought. I should have understood. But I didn\u2019t. It was so easy when I was learning how to fulfill my job. My Queen, why did you not tell me how hard it was to make choices? To be alive?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked further south, towards a split in the towering mountains. There lay his Hive. His home. But they did not need him. They had cast him out. A reject. Ksmvr tasted as he stopped for lunch; the beautiful lunch he\u2019d bought from a stall vendor was dust. He offered the rest to the horse after eating a satisfactory amount of nutrition.<\/p>\n \u201cFailure. And again. Failure.\u201d<\/p>\n First the Hive. Then he had been offered redemption at Albez. But he had failed there too. He had contributed so little. And Yvlon. Her arms were damaged, perhaps permanently as a result of her doing what Ksmvr had failed to do: destroy the fire elemental.<\/p>\n What was worse, what truly hurt<\/em>, was that she hadn\u2019t blamed him for it. She\u2019d told Ksmvr eighty-four times it wasn\u2019t his fault. That he\u2019d done all he could. That he was a valuable part of the team. She said such\u2026wonderful lies like that. They all did.<\/p>\n Resting was done. Ksmvr got up and began to walk. His horse excreted as it followed him. Ksmvr stared ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then? Cowardice. Fear of the water. With a Ring of Water Breathing. I lost my Captain. I could not stop the Raskghar from taking her.\u201d<\/p>\n Mistake and mistake again. Captain Ceria had been kidnapped, and Ksmvr could have stopped the Raskghar. But he\u2019d been swatted away. And he had been afraid of going in the water. Afraid. If they had been faster, if he hadn\u2019t delayed\u2026<\/p>\n If, if, if.<\/em> It boiled down to the same thing. What he had talked with his team about. Ksmvr was the weakest. He knew it. In level, in experience, in diversity of talents. He was a burden on his team.<\/p>\n But he could not be forever. Or else they would make the rational decision at last and get rid of him. Replace him with someone more capable. Like Olesm, who was far higher-level. Or Numbtongue, who had multiple powerful Skills and a superior body. Or Mrsha. She could cast magic.<\/p>\n Ksmvr drooped as he walked. It was true. He knew it. The only reason his team had not cast him away was because they were not rational. They were kind<\/em>. How weak. How\u2026wonderful. He could not let them down again.<\/p>\n \u201cNever again. I would rather die.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Ksmvr said. He walked forwards, towards a cluster of hills. The sun set overhead, slowly falling out of the sky. And at last, as evening fell, as the sun was lowering beyond the ridge of mountains half-blocking it to the west, did Ksmvr stop. He spotted smoke, so two miles away, he tethered his horse to a tree. It whickered and lipped at his palm as he offered it some oats.<\/p>\n It had grown to like him, somehow. Ksmvr tied it gently, so that if a predator attacked it, the horse might yank free in desperation. He stared at the horse as it tried to bite at a leaf on the tree he\u2019d tied it to.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are a simple creature. I envy you your guiltless life. Until you break a bone or grow too old and are no doubt slaughtered for food or parts. But then, so are the Antinium. We are much alike, you and I.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached out.<\/p>\n \u201cPat. Pat. If I do not come back, try to stay alive for a day. The other teams may find you.\u201d<\/p>\n The horse made a horse sound. Ksmvr stared at it. Then he checked his equipment. Shortsword. Dagger. Three rings. Potions. Cloak. Shortbow. Arrows. He turned and began walking towards the distant smoke trail.<\/p>\n Ksmvr hesitated. Then he came back and stroked the animal for a few minutes longer.<\/p>\n \u201cGood horse.\u201d<\/p>\n And then he left. The horse watched Ksmvr go until he was a blob in the distance. Then it resumed trying to eat leaves off the tree.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The [Bandits] haunting the road south to Liscor and Esthelm had no name. They weren\u2019t nearly big enough to earn a title of notoriety. They hadn\u2019t even existed as a group for more than two weeks, really. Of course, they had all kinds of names they called themselves. The Devils of Humpbacker Hills, the Scourge of Celum, Remendia\u2019s Nightmares\u2026it had to be said their names weren\u2019t that original or impressive.<\/p>\n They were just [Bandits] of the ordinary kind. They\u2019d come out of some [Thugs] from the city, a local gang of [Raiders], [Poachers], and [Thieves] mixing with some honest, simple [Bandits] who\u2019d survived long enough to have a few tricks. The reason they\u2019d migrated to robbing [Merchants] was because they had a [Bandit Leader] and more than a few decently-leveled members.<\/p>\n They were becoming more dangerous, but they\u2019d lost as many of their group as had joined. Healing potions were scarce, people on the road often had guards, and they\u2019d had a run in with some adventurers. They\u2019d killed one group; the other had gotten away. But the bandit group was still relatively confident. Some were even talking about moving after a few scores around here. Hence the fancy names.<\/p>\n But it was notable that the [Bandits] didn\u2019t call themselves the Bloodfeast Raiders or pretend to be other notorious [Bandit] groups like the famous Gnoll group, the Tailcutters. You didn\u2019t cross the really bad groups. Because they were real. And they were oh so nasty if they thought someone was imitating them. Worse than any stinking group of Silver-rank adventurers\u2026<\/p>\n And the [Bandits] were ready for an attack. They knew they would be attacked, so they invited it. Why not? Adventurers meant their gear was loot, they had magic, and you could ransom some of them. The [Bandits] would level from them, so they\u2019d planted their bait. A careless bit of smoke, and they\u2019d camped in the same spot for days now.<\/p>\n They\u2019d even propped up some corpses to look like they were in the camp. Only, if anyone got close, the real sentries would alert the hidden camp, and they\u2019d emerge from a hidden cave and cut the attackers to bits.<\/p>\n It would work, too. There were two good [Mages] in the group and a heavy-hitter who\u2019d been a former Silver-rank adventurer herself. And their [Bandit Leader] was a devil of a fellow, fast with his enchanted longsword and merciless. They could wipe out the local Silver-rank teams. All they had to do was wait and feast on their spoils in the meantime. And if a passerby strayed too close? All the more fun.<\/p>\n The strange figure approaching the [Bandit]\u2019s fake smoke signal mystified the [Sentries] at first. The appointed watchers stared first in confusion and then mild alarm at the approaching creature. They scrambled to alert their group. The thing was approaching the camp on purpose. And it looked<\/em> like a traveller, or maybe an adventurer. But none of them had ever seen something like this.<\/p>\n When the [Bandit Leader] finally roused himself to look, he shouted a curse and ordered the entire group of bandits out of the cave. He ignored the questions of the others as he grabbed his weapon.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, you flesh-bag bastards! Get moving!<\/em> Surround it, but no one attack! I didn\u2019t think they left their damn Hives. We\u2019re going to have some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n He swished his tail with excitement as he raced out of the cave. Nearly thirty [Bandits] followed him. They were fewer in number than Alais and Stan had estimated, but no less deadly. The group emerged from their cover and surrounded the traveller on the road. He looked around as they formed a circle, whooping and shouting. Some of the [Bandits] recoiled at the sight of Ksmvr, but he waved happily.<\/p>\n \u201cHello! I have a question! Excuse me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He caught sight of their leader. The [Bandit Leader] was striding towards him, a huge grin on his face. To Ksmvr\u2019s surprise, the person was a Drake. The Antinium stopped as the Drake halted in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well. An Antinium? What can I do for you, friend?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He gave Ksmvr a huge, toothy smile as his tail moved slowly back and forth behind him. Ksmvr spoke brightly as he looked around at the [Bandit] group.<\/p>\n \u201cOne, two, three, four\u2026hello. My name is Ksmvr. I am a friendly traveller and adventurer looking for the location of some [Bandits] camped around this location. Would you happen to know where they are?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake blinked at Ksmvr. Then he threw back his head and guffawed<\/em>. The other [Bandits] laughed as well. Ksmvr looked around. He took a few steps forwards towards the [Bandit Leader].<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me. I am not sure what is funny. I asked\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He stopped as the Drake lazily extended one hand. His enchanted sword\u2019s tip poked into the front of Ksmvr\u2019s chest. The Antinium stared down at it.<\/p>\n \u201cThat answer your question, Ant?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bandits] went silent with expectation. Ksmvr tilted his head from side to side as he eyed the blade.<\/p>\n \u201cI am uncertain. Is this an indication of direction? Or intent? If you are said [Bandits], I would prefer verbal confirmation.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course we\u2019re the [Bandits]. Typical Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n His head half turned, and he addressed the watching [Bandits].<\/p>\n \u201cStupid as they come. I don\u2019t know why the city put up with\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr swept up the blade with one arm and lunged. The Drake reflexively tried to jump back, but the Antinium barreled into him. Ksmvr\u2019s hands were bare as they came up. The longsword tried to cut into his side. Two of Ksmvr\u2019s arms caught the Drake\u2019s. The third dragged at the [Bandit Leader]\u2019s neck spines. The Drake cursed as he tried to throw Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors damn it! Get him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He screamed and then the noise became a terrible, gurgling rasp. The Drake stumbled back, hands clutched to his throat. A stream of red gushed between his claws. The [Bandits] stared. Slowly, the [Bandit Leader] let go. His throat was gone.<\/em> He fell, making a bubbling sound. And Ksmvr straightened.<\/p>\n The Antinium spat something on to the ground. The [Bandits] around him recoiled. They were paralyzed; they stared at the Antinium for one gut-wrenching second. Ksmvr closed his bloody mandibles and the incisors in his true mouth closed. He looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. I was certain, but confirmation is helpful. Let\u2019s see.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr spun. His shortsword appeared in his left hand. His dagger in his right. He reached into his bag of holding; the Forceshield flickered into life. The [Bandits] backed up. Too slow. Ksmvr charged right. A young woman with a sword tried to bring it up. Ksmvr lunged. His enchanted shortsword went through her worn leather armor. The thrust carried her into the ground. Ksmvr planted one foot on her chest and yanked his blade free. He looked left and slashed.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo.\u201d<\/p>\n A [Bandit] jumped clear of the shortsword. Ksmvr raised his Forceshield. The man on his right swung with a wild scream; his club bounced off the shimmering, translucent field generated by the magical buckler. Ksmvr\u2019s arm didn\u2019t so much as waver. His dagger shot out, and the man ducked back.<\/p>\n Too late, he realized Ksmvr was aiming for that. The Antinium whirled right. His left arm came up. The [Thug] tried to block. The club intercepted the blade, but Ksmvr\u2019s momentum carried through. The shortsword stopped, cutting into the club and the man\u2019s head, across his eyes. Ksmvr pulled his blade back.<\/p>\n \u201cThree.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned. The [Bandits] stared at him, but the shock had run its course. One of them shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cGet that thing! Kill it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The rest finally moved<\/em>. Those with ranged weapons or magic ran back as the others advanced shoulder-to-shoulder. The air was filled with panicked shouts.<\/p>\n \u201cHe killed the boss!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let it get close! That shield\u2019s magic!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut of the way!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bandit] with the largest voice was a woman in full plate armor: the former Silver-rank adventurer. She had a huge spiked mace in one hand and a shield in the other. She rushed past the slower [Bandits], aiming at Ksmvr with a roar. The Antinium turned. He raised his hand. Three rings shone on his fingers.<\/p>\n He flicked his wrist at the woman in armor.<\/p>\n \u201c[Shatterbolt].\u201d<\/p>\n The ring Pisces had given Ksmvr flashed. A flicker of silver, a translucent bolt as thin as a needle, shot out. The woman couldn\u2019t dodge. The bolt struck her plate armor, and the armor and the [Bandit]\u2019s body cracked.<\/em> Ksmvr saw the armor break where the bolt had passed through, then blood begin to drip from the opening. The woman was already dropping. Already dead.<\/p>\n The [Bandits] charging Ksmvr slowed, tripping over themselves. Someone shouted in horror. The others tripped over themselves to get back. Some couldn\u2019t believe it. The woman in armor was dead<\/em>. Just like that. Her armor, her levels, that little spell had gone through it all like it was nothing. It wasn\u2019t fair.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty-six left. Heavy armor down. Three high-level opponents remaining. One [Swordsman], two [Mages].\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked around. The [Bandits] were milling, afraid to approach now. But they were mobilizing. Some were racing towards their cave. Others taking their ground. Ksmvr advanced on the melee fighters who\u2019d closed. They swung at him, swearing. He lifted his Forceshield.<\/p>\n \u201cGet clear! I can\u2019t get a good\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Mages] was shouting, gesturing for his comrades to fall back. They tried, but Ksmvr kept advancing. He jabbed with his shortsword, but they kept back. He slashed at a [Warrior] wearing chainmail and holding a shield and sword.<\/p>\n This time, Ksmvr\u2019s blade deflected off the hide shield. The man jabbed back, shouting at his buddies to get around. Ksmvr saw the [Bandits] moving and struck a blow with his third arm before retreating. He lanced out with the dagger as his left arm pretended to thrust low at the man\u2019s shins.<\/p>\n The man saw the feint with the sword and shifted his shield. With a snarl of triumph, he blocked the dagger. The curved, metal tip stuck into the hide shield. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cTerith.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The metal of the enchanted Flamecoat Dagger turned red. Then it ignited<\/em>. The flames raced across the hide shield in the blink of an eye. It covered the shield, the arm holding it, and then the man in a moment. He was engulfed by flames. For a second he didn\u2019t know what had happened. His laughter turned to confusion. And then pain.<\/p>\n The burning [Bandit] screamed and dropped his weapons. He stumbled towards his companions, hands outstretched, and then dropped to the ground and began to writhe. The other [Bandits] looked horrified. They ducked back as Ksmvr slashed at them with dagger and shortsword.<\/p>\n \u201cTeri\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr began to utter the command again, but a blow struck him from behind. A woman hammered the back of his head with a mallet. Ksmvr stumbled, turned. He swung his dagger and shortsword, but she jumped back. This time someone struck him from the side; a spear jabbing towards his side. Ksmvr deflected the blade.<\/p>\n Surrounded.<\/em> He looked around. The [Warriors] had all closed with him. They were lashing out, attacking together. Ksmvr blocked with his Forceshield, parrying with his shortsword at the same time. He effortlessly blocked the mallet again with the shield, but someone hit him in the back. He stumbled.<\/p>\n Not good.<\/em> Ksmvr bent his knees and took a blow to the face. He sat down. He had to get up. He had to\u2014a [Bandit] was snarling at him, mallet raised. And the burnt [Bandit] was on his feet. Somehow he had survived. He got up and lunged, biting. He tackled the woman with a mallet and began clawing at her. Biting at her\u2026face\u2026?<\/p>\n She was screaming. The [Bandits] surrounding Ksmvr turned their heads. They saw their friend biting, trying to eat<\/em> his friend. They couldn\u2019t understand. The burnt [Bandit] tore a chunk of flesh off the mallet-wielding woman, and she howled. She bashed at him, pushing him off her, and another [Bandit] ran through his companion with a spear. But that didn\u2019t end the nightmare. The corpse stumbled forwards, arms grasping, mouth open impossibly wide.<\/p>\n A zombie. Ksmvr pushed himself up. He swung his sword, forcing a [Bandit] back. Another swung a greatsword at his stomach. He blocked with the Forceshield effortlessly. His dagger darted down, touched the greatsword as the [Raider] tried to pull it back.<\/p>\n \u201cTerith.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Flame. The man screamed and burned and fell down. Ksmvr turned. The zombie was flailing at the others, ignoring the spear in its stomach. And someone else was on his feet.<\/p>\n The Drake. He lurched forwards, ignoring the hole in this throat. He took another [Bandit] by surprise. As she whirled, he buried his teeth in the place where neck met collarbone and began to chew.<\/em> Her screaming drowned out the other sounds for a few seconds, even when her friends tore the undead Drake off her.<\/p>\n Ksmvr slashed at another [Bandit], forcing them to split their attention between him and the two zombies. They stared at him. Someone shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cOh hells,<\/em> it\u2019s an Antinium [Necromancer]!<\/em> Run for your lives!\u201d<\/p>\n It was a young man. He turned to run. An [Ice Spike] flashed past his face. It buried itself in the head of the burnt zombie. The undead staggered and fell down, but it was rising. A [Mage] roared; his hands shimmered with ice magic.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a zombie! Kill that Antinium!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The two zombies clawed upwards, but the [Bandits] were faster and more agile. They hammered at the corpses. Ksmvr looked for an opening, but the [Mage] was targeting him. He saw a [Bandit] charge him with another shortsword. Something flew between them as Ksmvr braced. The [Bandit] halted, swiped at his face. Something landed on it, dodging around his hand.<\/p>\n A Face-Eater Moth. It was pale, wings tattered. And it was dead<\/em>. But it still flew. The [Bandit] recoiled in horror, swiping at it, but it had latched onto his skin. He screamed as the undead Face-Eater Moth\u2019s razor-sharp maw opened and tried to take off his nose. Ksmvr jumped forwards and stabbed the man through the stomach. He stared as the little Face-Eater Moth fluttered past him and the man\u2019s corpse jerked.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Comrade Pisces. Don\u2019t tax yourself unduly, please. Long-range undead summoning must be difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n In fact, only three zombies rose from the fallen [Bandits]. But it was enough of a distraction. Ksmvr ran free, pausing to set fire to two more [Bandits].<\/p>\n \u201cTerith. Terith. Terith.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The third time he thrust with the Flamecoat Dagger and spoke the word, the bandit blocking did not ignite. He stumbled back, flailing in horror anyways, so Ksmvr cut him across the arm, but the man\u2019s scale mail blocked a fatal blow. Ksmvr ran past him, winning clear of the [Warriors]. He raised his shield, and an [Ice Spike] blasted past his head. Ksmvr ran towards the steep incline of a hill ahead of him; a rocky face littered with soil and grass provided him with a wall to put his back behind. He spun.<\/p>\n \u201c[Ice Spike]!\u201d<\/p>\n The shard of ice splintered off Ksmvr\u2019s Forceshield. The [Mage] snarled in disbelief. Ksmvr lowered the shield. The warriors had fallen back to let the two [Mages] and archers work. They began lobbing spells at Ksmvr. One was shooting [Ice Spikes], an inferior version of Ceria\u2019s spell but no less deadly; the other threw orbs of acid. Ksmvr ran with his back to the hill, holding his Forceshield up as he did, and he sheathed the Flamecoat Dagger.<\/p>\n \u201cFour applications in combat. Uncertain recharge time. Another deficiency I should have investigated beforehand.\u201d<\/p>\n A blob of acid splashed at Ksmvr\u2019s feet. He recoiled as the stinging liquid nearly struck his legs. Then he turned. A blur\u2014a [Bandit] on horseback! There were five of them, riding at him from their cave, screaming. The first had a spear.<\/p>\n \u201cGet him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bandits] were screaming. Ksmvr held up his shield as more spells and arrows struck the hill behind him. He crouched to shield himself, but that meant he couldn\u2019t run.<\/em> And the [Bandits] on horseback were aiming right at him. The lead rider couched the spear like a lance. He aimed down at Ksmvr\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n \u201c[Lancing Thrust]!\u201d<\/p>\n His spear shot out. Ksmvr looked up. And he jumped.<\/em> The [Bandit] spear tracked up, aiming at him. At his head, his belly, his feet\u2014<\/p>\n The men and women looked up. Ksmvr flew ten feet up into the air. He turned as he flew.<\/p>\n \u201cImposs\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bandit] riding down on him tried to dodge in the saddle. Ksmvr\u2019s shortsword sheared through part of his head. The horse reared and fled as its rider dropped from the saddle. The Antinium landed. He spun, leapt again.<\/p>\n A horse reared. The woman with a sword in hand tried to hold on. Ksmvr leapt over the horse and struck her on the way down. She fell out of the saddle and the horse, overbalanced, fell on her. Ksmvr rolled. He raised his Forceshield, blocked a swinging long-handled club as a [Bandit] rode past him, and leapt.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHe can fly?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium sprang up the side of the hill. Each jump took him higher and higher. Ksmvr couldn\u2019t fly. But he could jump impossibly high. The [Bandits] on horseback circled the hill, staring up at him. Ksmvr stopped. Then he leapt down and landed on a passing rider.<\/p>\n The impact broke the horse\u2019s legs. It killed the [Bandit]. Ksmvr tumbled down, but he was on his feet in an instant. The Ring of Jumping had negated the impact. For him. He looked down at the man\u2019s broken spine and the dying horse.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Magic.<\/em> Ksmvr was too slow this time. The [Ice Spike] shattered on the rim of his Forceshield, spraying him with fragments of ice. But the Antinium had an exoskeleton, not skin. He leapt back, and the [Bandits] charging him cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too fast!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPull back! Surround it when it jumps down! Don\u2019t get too close!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] with the ice spell pointed. There were at least six [Archers] behind him. They had poor aim, most of them. But their arrows still tracked Ksmvr as he leapt back up the steep incline. The Antinium landed on a rock and perched there, nearly twenty feet up. He sheathed his shortsword.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the men on the ground swung his sword as he stared up at the distant Antinium. He turned to a man who\u2019d retrieved the magical longsword wielded by their former [Bandit Leader]. The [Swordsman] grunted.<\/p>\n \u201cLet the [Mages] and [Archers] pick that thing off. If it comes down\u2014charge it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what if it runs aw\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The man stumbled. He blinked down at the arrow in his chest and fell forwards. The [Swordsman] recoiled. Then ducked. A second arrow missed him.<\/p>\n \u201cDrat.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr took aim again. The [Mage] with the ice spells shot an [Ice Spike] at him; Ksmvr\u2019s third arm delicately maneuvered the Forceshield into place. The spell shattered on his magical buckler. Ksmvr lowered the shield, raised his bow with his other two arms, and shot the arrow he\u2019d drawn.<\/p>\n A scream. The [Ice Mage] dropped, clawing at the arrow in his thigh. Ksmvr drew another arrow. Loosed it as he calmly shielded his face with his Forceshield.<\/p>\n \u201cA handy way of fighting. Three arms is beneficial.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] trying to yank the arrow out sprouted an arrow from his collar. This time he stopped moving. The [Bandits] milled about. The remaining [Mage] and [Swordsman] pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cGet him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The ones on the ground hesitated. They had the numbers, still. They outnumbered Ksmvr by a lot. But the incline was steep.<\/em> As a group advanced on Ksmvr, more arrows frantically shot at the Antinium. A few were on target, but none hit<\/em> Ksmvr. Because of his Forceshield.<\/p>\n The magical buckler was only a bit bigger than Ksmvr\u2019s hand. but the field it projected created a huge shield. And unless it overloaded, Ksmvr had an unbreakable shield. One that had no weight and transmitted no force from the impact. The [Bandits] couldn\u2019t overload the shield. And Ksmvr had three arms. He drew an arrow and loaded his bow as he held his shield up, covering his vitals. Then, swiftly, he aimed and fired. A [Bandit] fell, rolling down the hill and screaming. And before anyone could blink, Ksmvr\u2019s shield was back up.<\/p>\n There he stood. Shortbow in one hand, Forceshield in the other. The magical shield was raised as Ksmvr nocked another arrow and aimed. A flurry of arrows shot towards him, a coordinated volley, too many to block. Ksmvr turned around, showing the [Bandits] his magical cloak. The arrows glancing off the rock face around him could have been rain; they struck his cloak and failed to penetrate the magical cloth.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. That explains why I survived blows from behind. A cloak is useful.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr turned back around. His third arm moved his shield and blocked a ball of green acid; he calmly flicked<\/em> the magical substance backwards and watched it splash down on the [Bandits] climbing up towards him. He deflected an arrow. Then with his other two hands he aimed and loosed his.<\/p>\n \u201cFall back! Get back to the cave!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Swordsman] on the ground shouted at his companions. He could see what Ksmvr already knew; the [Bandits] would never pry him from his ledge. And Ksmvr could advance and retreat as much as he wanted. The Humans streamed backwards. Ksmvr loosed more arrows, but they had their shields up. He took this moment to drink a healing potion, then a stamina potion. He counted.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. That [Mage].\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr focused on the [Mage] who had been throwing acid. She was retreating quickly. But she wasn\u2019t as fast as the others. And they thought Ksmvr was going to stay on the hill. So he leapt.<\/p>\n Down from the hillside, falling. Leap; the ground blurred, and Ksmvr soared up. He fell as the [Bandits] turned. But he leapt again, covering the ground as his Ring of Jumping carried him up. Leaping forwards like a frog. Landing\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] tried to duck. Ksmvr lashed out with the shortsword and dagger he\u2019d drawn. The sword glanced off her arm. The dagger buried itself in her stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cTerith.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n No fire. Ksmvr twisted the dagger, and the woman screamed. He pulled the weapon free.<\/p>\n \u201cNow\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Flash Cut]!\u201d<\/p>\n The side! Ksmvr twisted. This time he was too slow. The [Swordsman] darted forwards, magic longsword in hand. He sliced at Ksmvr\u2019s side, and his sword blurred under Ksmvr\u2019s guard. The Antinium staggered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got him! I\u2019ve g\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Swordsman] stopped. He stared. Ksmvr looked down at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n The magical blade was lodged in Ksmvr\u2019s side. It had cut into his carapace. But not deep. The magic blade was\u2014stuck.<\/em> The [Swordsman] tried to slice through Ksmvr. But he couldn\u2019t. And when he tried to pull the blade out, he failed.<\/p>\n Ksmvr lashed out with his shortsword and dagger. The [Swordsman] made the mistake of trying to hold onto his weapon; the shortsword flashed down, and he stumbled back, screaming as his stump of a hand squirted blood. He ran as Ksmvr swung at him. Ksmvr dropped the Flamecoat Dagger and felt urgently at his side. The blood\u2014there wasn\u2019t much blood. How? That sword was magical. How\u2026?<\/p>\n Ksmvr stared at his hand. Three rings flashed at him. Ring of Jumping. Ring of Shatterbolt. And\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cAh. My Ring of [Barkskin]. I\u2019d nearly forgotten about it. Thank you for reminding me.\u201d<\/p>\n He straightened. An arrow struck him in the shoulder. The tip buried itself in his shoulder, but it only lodged in the outer layer of his carapace. Ksmvr looked around.<\/p>\n There were still nearly half of them left. The [Swordsman] was drinking down a healing potion, clutching at his hand. They retreated towards the cave.<\/p>\n \u201cHold it back. It\u2019s got some kind of protective enchantment. We need to bash it\u2019s brains in. Just hold the cave. It can\u2019t jump in there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The [Swordsman] was sobbing. The [Bandits] retreated, watching the Antinium walk slowly towards them. It was blocking the arrows with its shield. But it hadn\u2019t pulled out its shortbow.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can kill it. There\u2019s just one. There\u2019s just one<\/em>. Get the warhammers. Get ropes! We\u2019ll surround it.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Swordsman] ordered desperately as he clutched a plain shortsword with his offhand. The others hesitated. The [Swordsman]\u2019s face was pale, and he\u2019d lost his good hand. He wouldn\u2019t lead after this. But he would help them kill the Antinium who\u2019d stolen his hand. They dropped their blades, grabbed mallets and hammers and ropes, set themselves at the entrance to the cave. It was a good strategy. It would work. It would have worked. But as they waited, tense, silent, they realized something.<\/p>\n The Antinium had vanished. He\u2019d slipped out of sight while they retreated. And something else had happened. Something terrible.<\/p>\n It was simple. The sun had set.<\/p>\n And suddenly\u2014it was dark. The [Bandits] stood together in the cave as blood dried and sweat turned to ice. They looked at each other.<\/p>\n Suddenly, it was very<\/em> dark. The sun had disappeared behind the High Passes. And in its absence, they were suddenly blind. The [Swordsman] looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cS-someone get a torch. Or a [Light] spell\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYimmie\u2019s dead. So is Freezy.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the others muttered in the darkness. Someone else fumbled for a torch, cursing.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone got a fire spell? I\u2019ve got a flint.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a spark of light. A torch flared up. At the same time, a blur of motion shot towards the entrance. Someone shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch out!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Something leapt over the heads of the people in the front of the cave. The [Bandits] recoiled, striking at each other, at shadows. There was a scream<\/em>. The blossom of light jerked and fell. The men and women shouted in horror, and someone snatched at the torch. More light bloomed. A [Light] spell. There was a silhouette. The [Bandit] shrieked as Ksmvr dashed at her.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp me! Hel\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n An impact. A gurgling sound; the [Bandits] around her slashed wildly, but Ksmvr was gone. They backed up, holding their torches, shouting at the others.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s in the cave! It\u2019s in the cave\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet out! Run!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, stick together\u2014we can box it in! Don\u2019t run, don\u2019t\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n But it was too late. The [Bandits] streamed out, some fleeing in a blind panic. The rest stayed together, holding up torches and balls of light. They heard shouts in the night. Screams\u2026the fleeing shapes fell one by one. A dark blur leapt around them, jumping, rather than walking. The remaining [Archers] tried to hit it, but their arrows bounced off the magical cloak or missed.<\/p>\n And then there were no more sounds. Just darkness. The [Bandits] looked around. There were eleven left. The [Swordsman] was pale as he looked back and forth.<\/p>\n \u201cShow yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n There was no sound. No movement. The hills towered around the bandits. The grass waved in the night\u2019s breeze. The sky was cloudy. Shadows flickered. The [Bandits] jumped, clustering together.<\/p>\n \u201cWe surrender!\u201d<\/p>\n A young man shouted, his face pale. He held up his arms, raising his hammer and letting it drop as his torch burned over his head. An arrow shot out of the darkness. He screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cCoward!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Swordsman] bellowed. But the rest were silent. They drew together. Ten. They would have prayed, but the gods were dead. So they just held together, fearing, waiting. Ready to fight and die rather than run and die alone.<\/p>\n A minute passed. Then two. Three more arrows flew out of the darkness, but the [Bandits] had shields up. One yanked out an arrow, sobbing, as another poured healing potion on her wound. And then he appeared.<\/p>\n A shadow, walking under the moonlight as the clouds parted. A dark brown and black figure holding a shortsword and dagger. His buckler flared to life as he activated it again. The dagger burned red.<\/p>\n His segmented eyes reflected the lights from the [Bandit]\u2019s torches. His carapace was cut. Pierced by arrows. But he had taken no great wounds. He walked forwards without words. Straight at the [Bandits].<\/p>\n A monster out of Rhir. A nightmare worthy of the legend.<\/p>\n Antinium.<\/em><\/p>\n The Humans shuddered. They backed up. But then they held. It was hold or run. If they ran, they died in the night. The [Swordsman] held up his blade. He stared at Ksmvr. His voice was hoarse.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you? What are\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr twitched one antenna. His mandibles opened and rose.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Substandard.\u201d<\/p>\n And then he leapt up. And he fell, shrieking like a thing out of hell. For psychological effect.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Adventurer\u2019s Guild in Celum was quiet in the very early morning. Some adventurers were early risers by nature, and others had come in after an overnight job to collect their pay. But it wasn\u2019t bustling just past dawn. The only sounds that were present in the guild mainly came from the bleary-eyed [Receptionist] doing her job, and from Stan. The old man was sitting at a table, grousing loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cDamned Antinium bastard. We waited all night and did it show? No! And that young [Innkeeper] said she hadn\u2019t seen him! When I get my hands on that\u2014that bug thing\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it realized we were trying to bargain for those artifacts.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais looked bleary and slightly hung over. She\u2019d enjoyed herself at The Wandering Inn, despite Ksmvr\u2019s no-show. Stan folded his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it\u2014he\u2014did, he could at least have let us know! It\u2019s damned rude.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe put his team in prison. Still, you\u2019re right, Stan. Maybe Ksmvr got into trouble? I checked Celum\u2019s jail, but perhaps he fell afoul of Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n Stan calmed down a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cOr maybe he got hurt. Or lost. I heard someone say they saw him riding out of Celum. On a horse<\/em>. I thought they were twisting my leg, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStan?\u201d<\/p>\n Alais had jerked up in her seat. Stan turned his head. He swore.<\/p>\n \u201cYou!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked up as he trudged into the guild. His body was covered with mud and dust. And blood. Dried, green blood spattered his armor. He had a few cuts, but the rest were healed. He swayed and stood straighter.<\/p>\n \u201cMe.\u201d<\/p>\n Crossbow Stan got up and strode towards him. His fists were clenched.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got some nerve coming here after\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He stared at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the hells happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI completed the request. I killed the [Bandits].\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr walked past Crossbow Stan. The man stared at him in shock, then outrage.<\/p>\n \u201cYou? You\u2019re kidding. You couldn\u2019t have killed\u2014there are at least thirty\u2014hey! Where were you last night? We told you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He grabbed Ksmvr\u2019s shoulder. The Antinium stopped.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot until you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr drew his shortsword. The other adventurers looked up. Stan stepped back. The Antinium turned his head. Alais was on her feet.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. Now, excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n He walked up to the [Receptionist]\u2019s desk. The woman eyed him with apprehension and ill-concealed distaste.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t just give a bounty out for someone who claims<\/em> to have killed [Bandits]. You need proof. And I\u2019ll have to test you with a [Detect Lies] spell. Besides, like Mister Stan said, the [Bandits] are at least\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr reached for his bag of holding. He placed it on the counter, then looked around. He eyed the counter and shook his head. The Antinium trudged over to a table and dragged it over. The adventurers winced at the screech<\/em> of wood on wood. Ksmvr stopped the desk in front of the counter.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is enough surface area. Here is my proof.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached into the bag of holding and pulled out a severed head. The [Receptionist] recoiled and then screamed. The Drake\u2019s vacant, lolling head stared at her. The head was bloodless. Ksmvr placed it neatly on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2014that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you do?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Alais grabbed her wand and pointed it at Ksmvr. He turned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe request. Wait until I\u2019ve finished, please.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached into the bag of holding. Another head appeared. The room recoiled. A Human woman stared blankly at Ksmvr. And then a man. A young man, a girl\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n Crossbow Stan backed up. Ksmvr kept pulling heads out of the bag. One, two, three, four\u2026ten\u2026twenty\u2026twenty-nine minus their leader. He piled them up. And then he turned.<\/p>\n \u201cThere.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers stared. Stan stared at the Drake\u2019s head. The [Receptionist] had backed away as far as possible, shaking and trying to climb over her desk and away.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2014that Drake. I recognize that one. And\u2014and that one. That\u2019s the [Bandit Leader]. And that one\u2014that\u2019s their [Mage]. Freezer.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at one of the heads on top of the pile. Ksmvr nodded. His voice was loud as he turned back to the [Receptionist].<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for the confirmation, Captain Stan. However, I will readily submit to a truth detection spell to prove all of these individuals were [Bandits]. I hope this is sufficient proof, though.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at the woman. She was shaking so hard she couldn\u2019t formulate a reply. She made a shaky animal noise.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this sufficient?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014you\u2014y\u2014th\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr kept staring. Then he leaned over the table.<\/p>\n \u201cEleven hours.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] froze. Ksmvr spoke slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cEleven hours after defeating the [Bandits]. That is how long it took to collect the bodies, create a pyre for disposal, remove the heads, burn them, collect their gear, reclaim my horse, which had wandered off, set the others free, and ride back here. Eleven hours. I have imbibed two stamina potions. My wounds have yet to fully heal. I have had inadequate sustenance. I am hungry. I am tired. I am in a bad mood.<\/em> Is this sufficient?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n The woman cowered. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen please give my team the reward. I believe it is a hundred gold coins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I have to get a signature!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist]\u2019s eyes darted around for help. There was none. Ksmvr looked around, and the adventurers flinched. They saw the blood on his carapace. Green, Antinium blood. Which meant the streaks of red weren\u2019t his. They stared at the heads. At him. Ksmvr turned back to the [Receptionist].<\/p>\n \u201cPaperwork. Quill and ink, please.\u201d<\/p>\n Her hands shook as she fumbled for the right form. Ksmvr studied it. He dipped a quill in the inkpot as the woman fled towards the back. The [Guildmaster] wasn\u2019t in today. She had to open the Guild\u2019s vaults herself.<\/p>\n She returned, still shaking, and stared at the heads as if they were a dream. The pile stared back at her. The woman realized this wasn\u2019t a dream. The slowly decomposing heads were\u2014she looked at Ksmvr. He looked up, and she shrieked<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve finished my details. Where do I sign?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cH\u2014h\u2014he\u2014he\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr stared down at the general spot the finger was shaking in.<\/p>\n \u201cHere? I see.\u201d<\/p>\n He began scribbling on the form. After a moment, he looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cPardon me. Do I list my team as \u2018The Horns of Hammerad\u2019 or do I omit the prefix?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cH\u2014h\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHorns of Hammerad. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n He finished writing. Ksmvr held up the piece of paper. He looked at the [Receptionist]. She was frozen. He waved the paper at her, and she backed up.<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally I\u2019d like to turn in the heads as monster parts for processing. My bag of holding couldn\u2019t fit the other body parts, but I will accept any reward the guild posts on Human heads, brains, flesh, or skeletal matter. Assuming they aren\u2019t collected as part of the bounty?\u201d<\/p>\n Stan saw the woman had frozen. She looked like she was going to have a heart attack. One of the other adventurers was being sick; a few others were gagging or throwing up as well. He stared at the heads. It was just a dream. That Antinium couldn\u2019t have\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t\u2014we don\u2019t\u2014use heads. Not Human ones. Or Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Odd. Then I will collect my payment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] dropped the bag of gold on the counter. A head rolled off the pile and onto the floor. The sound it made, the fleshy thump, was the realest thing Crossbow Stan had ever heard. The [Receptionist] stared at the head. She turned and ran out of the building, screaming. Three adventurers followed her.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. Dead gods. Dead gods. Dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Alais was swallowing hard. Stan couldn\u2019t take his eyes off Ksmvr. The Antinium was counting the gold coins one by one as he put them in his bag of holding. When he was done, he straightened and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cIs my team not released yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded at Stan. Then, ignoring the heads, he walked over to an empty table and chair. The adventurers left in the guild scattered in front of him. Ksmvr pulled the chair back. He sat down in the chair and opened his mandibles slightly. The upright, rigid posture the Antinium had kept up all the while turned into a sag. Ksmvr leaned forwards, nearly fell out of the chair. He tried placing his arms on the table. No good. He kept falling sideways. So he stood up, walked over to the wall, just underneath the job board.<\/p>\n Ksmvr sat with his back to the wall and curled up like a pill bug. He was sitting like Workers and Soldiers did, trying to stay awake but fading, fading\u2026<\/p>\n The Antinium passed out as the morning light filled the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, and a rookie team of Bronze-rank adventurers entered the building and saw the pile of severed heads. He didn\u2019t hear the screaming. He was already asleep. That was how his team found him, three hours later.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTree rot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish he\u2019d saved the bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n Three voices woke Ksmvr up. He jerked upright amid a babble of voices. Waking up took Ksmvr a few moments. He heard the three familiar people. An argument. Shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s to be done? If it went out and butchered\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n An arguing voice raised in reply, exasperated, worried, shocked.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Stan recognized two of them! If you want to test him, be my guest! But I\u2019ll bet those are exactly the same [Bandits] you wanted dead\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll by himself?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A sneering tone.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Or did you think the Antinium bred pacifistic, ineffectual<\/em> warriors? I hardly see what all the fuss is about\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n An authoritative tone.<\/p>\n \u201cTry and arrest him without proof, and I will drop you. Alais, drop the wand. If you point it at him again\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr woke up. His vision returned. He looked around. There were people gathered around the table. Lots of them. Celum\u2019s City Watch, adventurers, people staring at the table with the heads on it\u2026but the three people Ksmvr wanted most were right there, protectively standing around him. He sleepily opened and closed his mandibles.<\/p>\n \u201cI slept as ordered, Captain Ceria. Was your incarceration pleasant?\u201d<\/p>\n The voices stopped. Every eye fixed on Ksmvr. He saw a half-Elf jump, then turn. Ceria Springwalker looked down at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cHey\u2026Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Captain. I have completed our request.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr sat up, watching Ceria\u2019s expression closely. He tried to see if she was angry or disappointed. Or sad or\u2026but her face was hard to read. A strange expression was written across it, one Ksmvr had no name for.<\/p>\n \u201cI see that, Ksmvr. Why did you go alone?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium felt a pang of fear in his chest. He clasped two of his hands together as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause\u2026I heard other teams were going to take our request. And I thought our team should not forfeit our request. You were gone. I stayed out of trouble. I did not tell Miss Erin where you were. And I slept.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t think taking out a [Bandit] gang was too much?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI calculated the risks. I estimated that since you or Comrade Pisces or Yvlon could handle the group yourselves, I should be able to. I had help. Comrade Pisces helped. And I borrowed his ring.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe told us about that in the jail. He didn\u2019t know what happened after that. Someone squashed his moth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Her face was still unreadable. Ksmvr wanted to look at Pisces or Yvlon, but he was afraid of what he might see. He clutched his hands tightly together.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope I did not act out of place. I only wanted to be a helpful member of the group\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n His voice trailed off, becoming small. Ksmvr\u2019s gaze was drawn to his boots. He heard nothing for a second, and then Ceria reached out.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n His head rose up. The half-Elf smiled at him. She turned around, to the audience, at her teammates, and then at Ksmvr. She patted him on the shoulder gently, noting his unhealed wounds.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job. But next time don\u2019t be so reckless.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr opened his mandibles in a smile. That was all he wanted to hear.<\/p>\n Good job.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There was more after that, of course. More shouting, explanations\u2014Ksmvr was only too happy to explain, and to apologize for his brusque behavior after his sleep.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was most unprofessional. I can normally go for a day without sleep without undue mental effects. I am most sincerely regretful.\u201d<\/p>\n For some reason, that didn\u2019t really help matters. But Captain Ceria had taken over the conversation and, aided by a [Detect Lies] spell and the expedient of pointing at the heads and saying \u2018are those the [Bandits] or not? Okay, what\u2019s the problem?\u2019, somehow much of the issue seemed to resolve itself. The Horns were only stopped by a hysterical [Receptionist] who demanded what should be done<\/em> with the severed heads.<\/p>\n \u201cI could take\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces yelped as Yvlon turned and delicately punched him in the stomach. He rubbed at his gut as the [Wounded Warrior] turned back to the shrieking [Receptionist]. Yvlon waited until the woman was done screaming before she replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw [Receptionists] in Liscor\u2019s Adventurer\u2019s Guild finishing off Face-Eater Moths after the monsters attacked the city. You can grab a shovel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. We did our job. Come on, Ksmvr. You need a proper bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not use beds. But the consideration is welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr followed Ceria as she pushed past the adventurers and City Watch. They didn\u2019t look happy, but they stood well clear of Ksmvr. They were still staring. The Antinium was nearly at the door when a thought hit him. He held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Ceria. Pause a moment, please. I would like to address the room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n Warily, Ceria turned. Ksmvr looked about. A sea of Humanity and a few non-Humans stared at him. The Antinium bowed politely.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning. I apologize for any unorthodox behavior. However, I would simply like to say that my team has done nothing wrong. You were wrong for falsely accusing Captain Ceria and Yvlon. If you do it again, I will take umbrage.\u201d<\/p>\n They just stared at him. Ksmvr studied the glares, the looks of fear, and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI would also like to note that with the Horns of Hammerad\u2019s successful completion of this assignment with a solo member of our group, when no team was capable of doing so by themselves, we have established our superiority over other teams in this guild. I understand that equates to dominance in Human culture.\u201d<\/p>\n At last there was a shift in the crowd. Ksmvr saw an adventurer open his mouth furiously.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr turned, quick as a whip, to face the adventurer. The man froze for a second. He stared at the Antinium, and his tongue failed him. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cDominance.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he turned and walked out the door. Ceria followed him, shaking her head. Yvlon was smiling. Pisces stopped to laugh for ten seconds before the other two pulled him after them.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad walked down the street. A [Necromancer] in pristine white robes, a yawning half-Elf, a [Wounded Warrior] wearing bright armor and lending her shoulder to an Antinium covered in mud and blood of two colors. People stared as they passed, but the four didn\u2019t care. They spoke to each other and only to each other.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we\u2019ve officially burned our bridges in Celum. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if we\u2019re banned from the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor something I did?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Nah. I think it was a bad scene. And Celum\u2019s clearly too small for us, right Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter this? I think so. Time to go north. Or south?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue. I wonder if there\u2019s work around Pallass? You know, in Drake lands?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should imagine so. And I believe even the tiresome Drake governance would be a welcome improvement over Celum\u2019s benign incompetence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to assume that meant what I think it did. Ksmvr, how are you? Need another potion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am quite well, Yvlon. I am only\u2026tired.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t scare me like that again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did not wish to. I only wanted to be helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were. Really. But Ceria\u2019s right. We do things as a team. If you wanted to prove you can hold your own\u2026you definitely did that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. Thank\u2026you for saying that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. You must discuss your tactics. I observed some of it. Fine work using all of your magical artifacts. Ceria, Yvlon, I will readily admit that Ksmvr\u2019s strategy outstripped our own. And his Ring of Jumping\u2014we have severely underestimated the mobility it affords.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Ksmvr can tell us over drinks, then. Oh, damn.<\/em> We stood Garia up!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can invite her as an apology.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. I must also confess I tricked both Captain Stan and Captain Alais yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously? Ksmvr, I could kiss you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Okay? But I have an announcement to make.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have obtained the [Skirmisher] class as a result of my reaching Level 20.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell done!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. Quite appropriate\u2026don\u2019t poke me! I\u2019m being genuine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Couldn\u2019t tell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAhem. May I finish? I have also received the [Quick Movement] Skill along with an evasion Skill. I believe this, combined with my Ring of Jumping, will expedite new tactics that\u2026Yvlon, you are hugging me tightly. Yvlon? I am having trouble breathing. Oh, Captain Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n That was all. There was more, but that was enough. The Horns walked back together, talking, laughing, smiling. A team, however fragile.<\/p>\n And in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, as a [Laborer] earned one of the most unpleasant hauling jobs in his lifetime, a [Receptionist] hurried out of the guild. She made a beeline for the Mage\u2019s Guild and sent a [Message]. It was one of eight, all with the same content. All with the same intended recipient. The [Messages] read something like this:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] known as Pisces and [Ice Mage] Ceria Springwalker are both present in Celum, travelling in the Silver-rank team, Horns of Hammerad. Please send to current location of Wistram group led by Mage Montressa du Valeross to claim five gold coin reward.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Naturally, only the first sender got the reward. It was cruel, but that was how it worked. Anyways, Ksmvr didn\u2019t care. He was eating a celebratory cake. It was a very good day for him.<\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" People liked to insult the local City Watch, especially in Human cities. Ask any local and you\u2019d get some commentary about how their local law enforcement was about as effective as a hamster with a toothpick and as corrupt as a bag of [Lords] with their britches stuffed full of gold coins. The comparison was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693086,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693135],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-6084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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